concerns about the baby’s heartbeat during labour or their breathing after the birth

If an urgent transfer to hospital is required, your midwife or second attendant will call 911. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will come to your home, and you and/or your baby will be transported to the hospital by ambulance. The hospital will be notified of your and/or your baby’s condition. This allows staff to prepare for your arrival and prevent potential delays in care.

Depending on the situation, your midwife will either accompany you in the ambulance or meet you at the hospital.

Find out more about how midwives are training Ontario paramedics in out-of-hospital birth emergency skills!

Transferring from home to hospital: At the hospital

Midwives work with a wide range of other healthcare providers in hospitals to make sure that you receive safe, excellent care.

Sometimes it is recommended that a doctor takes over parts of your or your baby’s clinical care. If this is the case, your midwife will continue to provide supportive care, comfort and information. They will take over clinical care once your or your baby’s condition has improved.